Operation Gothic Serpent

Mission Briefing

Date: 3 October 1993
Time: 1532
Local Location: Mogadishu, Somalia

Situation

United Nations forces continue operations in Mogadishu to restore stability following the collapse of Somalia's central government. Intelligence identified several senior lieutenants of General Mohamed Farrah Aidid gathering inside a building near the Olympic Hotel in the Bakara Market district.

Task Force Ranger has been tasked with conducting a rapid helicopter assault to capture the meeting attendees before they can disperse.

Somali militia forces are lightly equipped but highly motivated. Expect rapid reinforcement from nearby neighbourhoods once contact is made. Militia fighters are familiar with the terrain and are known to employ RPGs, machine guns, improvised barricades, and technical vehicles. Militia forces are expected to engage Coalition forces from rooftops, alleyways, and fortified buildings.
Enemy reinforcements are expected within minutes of initial contact.

Task Force Ranger
75th Ranger Regiment 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force)
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
Combat convoy with HMMWVs

Somali National Alliance (SNA) Militia
500+ fighters available within the district
Small arms
PKM machine guns
RPG-7 anti-armor weapons
Technicals equipped with heavy machine guns
Extensive knowledge of the urban terrain

Rules of Engagement
Positive Identification (PID): Engage only individuals positively identified as hostile or demonstrating hostile intent. Civilian Protection: Civilians are present throughout the area of operations. Avoid unnecessary civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure whenever tactically feasible.

Sensitive Equipment: Prevent classified weapons, radios, maps, and communications equipment from falling into enemy hands. Recover or destroy sensitive equipment if recovery is impossible.